NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line changes COVID testing policy for passengers

   November 17, 2021 ,   Cruise Industry

NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line announced changes to the COVID testing policy for passengers boarding cruise ships from the United States and non-U.S. cruise ports.

Starting January 17, 2022, passengers will be allowed to board with one negative COVID antigen/PCR test result. 

While in the past NCL has asked passengers to test twice for the Coronavirus (once at home and a 2nd time at the pier before embarkation) the company will now require them to test once at home. The policy will ensure a check-in process with minimal person-to-person contact along with fast boarding for all passengers.

At the time of check-in, travelers will be required proof of a negative COVID antigen/PCR test result administered by a verified 3rd party at least 2 days before boarding for sailings starting from U.S. ports and 3 days before cruises departing from non-U.S. ports. 

“As our leading Sail Safe Health and Safety Program continues to evolve, we have made advancements to safely streamline the check-in process by facilitating minimal person-to-person contact and limited wait time at the terminal.

"Beginning January 17, 2022, we will eliminate COVID-19 testing at the terminal and instead require guests to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test result at least two calendar days prior to boarding for cruises originating in a U.S. port and at least three calendar days prior for cruises departing from a non-U.S. port. The COVID-19 antigen or PCR test must be administered by a verified third party.”

If passengers are unable to provide proof of a negative test result at the time of embarkation, testing will be available at the cruise terminal at their own expense for US$99 per person.